Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/809226
Newspaper post YOUR FIRST READ AND FIRST CLICK OF THE DAY WWW.MALTATODAY.COM.MT JURGEN BALZAN NATIONALIST Party MPs are incensed at the way a coali- tion agreement was reached with former Labour MP Mar- lene Farrugia's Democratic Party, with many learning that the 'deal' was reached through the media. A number of MPs who spoke to MaltaToday are furious at the lack of consultation, with many even describing the deal as "madness". Negotiations were not conducted secretly as both parties had confirmed that they were in talks, but MPs expressed their surprise at the way the negotiations were conducted and the "unorthodox" announcement of the agreement by Farrugia herself on her Facebook page. MPs said they were aware that the party was in talks, but they were never consulted on the terms and conditions set by both sides. Surprisingly both PN deputy leaders Mario de Marco and Beppe Fenech Adami were not involved in the talks, which Marlene Farrugia simply described as "infor- mal." Deputy leader for parliamentary affairs Mario de Marco told MaltaToday that he was aware of the negotiations, "but I wasn't directly involved in the negotiations." Deputy leader for party affairs Beppe Fenech Adami also confirmed that he did not attend the meetings, but was kept abreast of negotiations. Both said they were unaware of any red lines imposed by Farrugia, with Fenech Adami saying that "the relationship is still developing and conditions are still being ironed out." PAGE 7 'No interference' in drugs case, inquiry concludes SUNDAY • 9 APRIL 2017 • ISSUE 909 • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY YOUR FIRST READ AND FIRST CLICK OF THE DAY WWW.MALTATODAY.COM.MT SUNDAY • 9 APRIL 2017 • ISSUE 909 • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY maltatoday Nationalist MPs learnt of coalition through media A PASSION FOR GOOD FRIDAY Paul Cocks meets the people behind the pageantry of the Holy Week Unlock the secrets of these sweet Easter delights with Radisson chef Jimmy Aquilina The photo during which Opposition leader Simon Busuttil would have, unilaterally, accepted independent MP Marlene Farrugia's Democratic Party to run in a 'coalition' with the PN by appearing on the Nationalist ticket. Pictured with Farrugia is Mario Portelli, the former police constable whose testimony against David Gatt was widely discredited by the court (see page 19) x SUNDAY • 9 APRIL 2017 • ISSUE 909 • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY today today • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY today • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY €1.40 Atlas Healthcare Insurance Agency Limited is authorized under the Insurance Intermediaries Act 2006, to act as agents for AXA PPP healthcare Limited and is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority. The policies are underwritten by AXA PPP healthcare Limited. On World Health Day: new and improved health and dental benefits with AXA PPP by Atlas Healthcare Ask Atlas on 21 322 600 or visit atlas.com.mt 16 17 PN deputy leaders not involved in negotiations with Farrugia's PD MIRIAM DALLI THE government has published the report of the inquiry into allegations of political interfer- ence in a drugs trafficking case in Gozo, concluding that no such interference took place. Both Gozo Minister Anton Refalo and Minister Manuel Mallia – who at the time was home affairs minister – have denied any knowledge of the case. Whilst the report makes no reference to the hearings with Refalo and Mallia, a separate letter sent to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat reveals that the t wo ministers were in fact spoken to. Key witnesses identified by MaltaToday not interviewed by board of inquiry • 'Report is whitewash and cover-up' – PN PAGE 4